No entry for those from countries with over 150,000 Covid-19 cases

Senior Minister for Security Ismail Sabri Yaakob says the government will impose an entry ban beginning Sept 7 on citizens of countries that have recorded more than 150,000 Covid-19 cases.

He said the countries on the list include the US, Brazil, France, the UK, Spain, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Bangladesh, as well as the three countries previously announced – India, Indonesia and the Philippines.

“We will add more countries deemed high risk which have more than 150,000 positive cases to the list. Their citizens will be barred (from entering Malaysia).

“For emergency cases or those involving bilateral relations, such as if a person needs to come for a meeting between countries, we will allow entry. But this will require permission from the immigration department,” he told reporters after chairing a meeting in Putrajaya today.

He added that the health ministry would announce the details on countries which have recorded more than 150,000 positive cases.

On Tuesday, Ismail announced an entry ban on long-term pass holders from India, Indonesia and the Philippines beginning Sept 7 due to the spike in Covid-19 cases in those countries.

The ban involves six categories of pass holders comprising those with permanent resident status, Malaysia My Second Home Programme participants, expatriates including professional visit pass holders and resident pass holders.

Also barred were spouses of Malaysian citizens and their children as well as students from the three countries who wish to return to Malaysia.

Ismail said the government had no problem allowing Malaysians from high-risk countries to return home but said they would be subject to the 14-day mandatory quarantine.